Nissan PlayStation GT Academy races to Abu Dhabi
27 Sep 2015
To film Academy’s week-long race camp in October
twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), both part of Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority, today announced that the international award-winning GT Academy TV show will hold its week-long race camp in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled for filming in October this year, the reality show will be filmed at various locations in Abu Dhabi including Yas Marina Circuit, Qsar Al Sarab, Nation Towers and Yas Waterworld.
GT Academy will be provided with on-the-ground support and production services by twofour54 and will access ADFC’s 30 percent rebate which applies to production spend in Abu Dhabi.
GT Academy has evolved as the world’s largest driving talent search in which the fastest players on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo game are put in a real-life training camp to fight it out for the opportunity to become a professional racing driver for Nissan. From six million GT Academy entrants to date, only 21 have won the competition, three of whom raced for Nissan at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the top Prototype 1 class. The show was the second most watched motorsport show across Europe in 2014 and was broadcast in 120 countries worldwide.
Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of Media Zone Authority, said: “We continue to attract major international TV and Film productions to Abu Dhabi, and GT Academy is a great addition to our portfolio of projects. Abu Dhabi is developing a far-reaching reputation as an international filming destination which in turn reflects positively on our economy. Given the global exposure our Capital is receiving and the subsequent boost in numbers for tourism, travel, and hospitality, the media industry is positioning itself as a prominent player in the diversification of the local economy.”
Executive Director for Film and TV Services at twofour54, Paul Baker, commented: “With a global TV audience of 78 million in 2014, GT Academy’s viewers are in for an unparalleled sports experience thanks to the thrill and excitement the iconic Yas Marina F1 circuit offers. twofour54 is delighted to be providing production services to the producers of the show, GTA Global Ltd.”
“The international production industry is increasingly recognising Abu Dhabi as a world-class production hub. Coupled with ADFC’s 30% cash back rebate, which covers TV formats such as television dramas (including series), lifestyle, reality, game shows and entertainment programmes, Abu Dhabi has all the attributes for producing successful film and TV projects.”
“An added bonus of hosting international productions like GT Academy is the opportunity it provides for Emirati interns to learn from international professionals; this in turn increases the talent pool we have available to service future productions,” he added.
Created in 2008 by Nissan Europe, in collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Polyphony Digital Inc., GT Academy’s competition has grown in popularity all over the world, with this year marking the seventh season of GT Academy in Europe.
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